Antigua and Barbuda is turning up the heat this May for its third annual Culinary Month, and the lineup is a Caribbean "who's who" of local and international chefs.
The twin-island nation is celebrating with a monthlong feast featuring Antiguan and Barbudan cuisine, beachside cookouts and a two-week price-fixe restaurant campaign.
The all-Caribbean chef roster is stacked with heavy hitters like James Beard Award winner Nina Compton and "Top Chef" Season 22 winner Tristen Epps-Long. They'll join local Antiguan legends like TV personality Andi Oliver and Food Network's "Chopped" champion chef Claude Lewis.
Culinary Month highlights
The schedule will be updated at www.antiguabarbudaculinarymonth.com, with some of the main events listed below:
• May 3 to 17: Restaurant Week & Eat Like a Local: Over 50 restaurants will offer prix-fixe menus ($25, $50, or $75), while the Eat Like a Local map guides visitors to restaurants serving authentic island staples like pepper pot and fungee.
• May 21 to 23: Industry & Art: The Caribbean Food Forum kicks off on the 21st for industry pros, followed by the signature FAB Fest on the 23rd, a vibrant food and art village at Cedar Valley Golf Course featuring live demos and music.
• May 22 and 24: Global Flavors: Enjoy a U.K.-inspired collaboration dinner at Rokuni (May 22) and a high-energy Puerto Rican BBQ hosted by chef Angel Barreto at The Hut, Little Jumby (May 24).
• May 27 & 29: Elite Collaborations: Experience a dinner with chefs Paul Carmichael and Tristen Epps at Catherine's Cafe (May 27), followed by a special fundraiser at the new Moon Gate Hotel celebrating iconic Caribbean women chefs (May 29).
• May 30: The Grand Finale: The month wraps up with a massive beach party and cookout at Wild Tamarind, featuring chef Devan Rajkumar and a showcase of the island's best pastry talent.